Fireworks Are Poisons, Too
ALEXANDRIA, VA – America’s 57 poison control centers are reminding parents and caregivers that fireworks are poisons, too, according to Rose Ann G. Soloway, clinical toxicologist with the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C.
“Every year around the Fourth of July holiday, people are burned or injured by fireworks. However, fireworks are a poisoning hazard, as well,” Soloway said. “If swallowed by children, adults or pets, the chemicals in fireworks can make them sick.”
Fireworks contain chemicals such as potassium nitrate, white phosphorus, barium chlorate, and arsenic. Fireworks often come in pretty, colorful packages that can look like candy to a child. Because swallowing any amount of fireworks can be harmful, they should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.
In 2009, poison centers across the country received more than 1,000 calls about exposures to fireworks and explosives. Of those, more than 750 involved children younger than 6.
The following are examples of calls to poison centers about fireworks:
- A parent called because her child ate six or seven firecrackers. The child became sick and vomited.
- A caller was worried about his 2-year-old who ate a “snake” firework, thinking it was gum.
- A pet owner called because her dog ate a firecracker in the park
“If you are concerned that someone may have eaten or swallowed some fireworks, call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222 right away,” Soloway said. “You’ll speak with a poison expert who will tell you exactly what to do. Most of the time, these situations can be managed at home with poison center guidance. If you do need to go to an emergency room, the health professionals at the poison center will provide the emergency staff with treatment recommendations. Also, remember that your poison center is open to take your calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year – including the Fourth of July.”
For questions about fireworks safety or poison control centers, the media may call Loreeta Canton, communications manager, American Association of Poison Control Centers, at 703-894-1863.
About the American Association of Poison Control Centers:
The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation’s 57 poison centers in their efforts to treat and prevent poisoning. Poison centers offer free, private, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The poison specialists take calls in more than 150 languages and from people who are hearing impaired.
If you have questions about poisons, or if you believe you’ve been exposed to something that could be bad for you, call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
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703.894.1863
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